His Mistletoe Bride

The Stanton Family, Book Four
Kensington Books
October 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1420114843

BLAME IT ON THE MISTLETOE…

When Major Lucas Stanton inherited his earldom, he never dreamed his property would include the previous earl’s granddaughter. Phoebe Linville is a sparkling American beauty, yes, but with a talent for getting into trouble. Witness the compromising position that forced them into wedlock. Whisked away to Mistletoe Manor, his country estate, it isn’t long before she is challenging his rules—and surprising him in and out of bed…

Phoebe has no intention of bowing to Lucas’s stubbornness even though he offers all that she wants. His kisses and unexpected warmth are enticing, but Phoebe is determined to show the Earl of Merritt what real love is all about. And if that takes twelve nights of delicious seduction by a roaring fire, she’s more than willing to reveal her gifts very slowly…

REVIEWS

“His Mistletoe Bride is a wonderful, romantic book that will have romance readers as well as Regency genre readers alike begging for more.” ~ Top Pick, Night Owl Reviews

“Kelly combines wit, innocent sensuality, and seduction in this tale of a forced marriage between a beautiful plain-speaking pacifist Quaker and a handsome war hero who inherits a rundown earldom. In 1817, Phoebe Linville leaves joyless Philadelphia and the strident lectures of her half-brother for a new life in London under the loving protection of her aristocratic grandfather. When her grandfather dies, she becomes the “possession” of Maj. Lucas Stanton, the new Lord Merritt. A challenging adventure ensues when a determined Phoebe and stubborn Lucas wind up in a compromising position that requires them to wed. Compassionate Phoebe has her hands full, between loving a lord whose heart was broken by another and hiding secrets about smugglers. Regency fans will enjoy the lessons on Christmas traditions, the art of seduction, and the triumph of reconciliation and love.” ~ Publishers Weekly

“Kelly pairs an aristocratic former military officer with a young American Quaker in this emotionally intense and beautifully crafted novel. With a small overview of Quaker life, and a large dose of romance, Kelly satisfies readers till the last page.” ~ 4 stars, RT Book Reviews

“This was my first time reading Vanessa Kelly and it won’t be my last! I loved the mix of family, steam, intriguing main characters and holiday cheer.” ~ 4 solid stars, Rogues Under the Covers

“Absolutely delicious, His Mistletoe Bride, the latest book by phenomenal author Vanessa Kelly, is a heartwarming, witty and passionate historical romance that will keep you up late into the night, eager to see what happens next. Ms. Kelly is a genius at bringing her characters and her stories to life right before your eyes.” ~ 5 Blue Ribbons, Romance Junkies

“There are Christmas books in which the holiday is just a backdrop, a stage setting that could be changed without significantly altering the story. Then, there are others in which the season is an inextricable part of the story, stories whose meaning would change in essential ways if the setting were different. His Mistletoe Bride belongs in the latter group. It’s a lovely, heartwarming story about romantic love, familial love, and love of one’s fellow human beings; it’s a story about forgiving and growing and opening one’s heart. It’s the best kind of Christmas romance. I highly recommend it.” ~ Just Janga

“His Mistletoe Bride is an absolute hit with intelligent characters, an intriguing plot and overall charm. Ms. Kelly has crafted a beautiful romance novel with all the right elements to make it shine like a rare gem. This holiday season, treat yourself to a historical romance that will delight and entertain you, all the while showing you a beautiful story about falling in love.” ~ 4 Stars, The Romance Reviews

“An American Quaker and a former English soldier may seem an unlikely pairing, but in the skilled hands of Kelly, they become a perfect match in this heartwarming holiday romance…a holiday treat that’s not to be missed.” ~ 4-1/2 stars, The Romance Dish

“His Mistletoe Bride was one of those books that had me smiling on page one and by the time I reached the last page I was full on grinning. It easily made my top 5 Christmas stories list with it’s utterly unique and quirky characters, entertaining storyline and the exciting addition of a bit of mystery and danger.” ~ 5 stars, Herding Cats & Burning Soup

“The Regency period has never been brought to fictional life in a more entertaining way than in HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE. There is one astounding occurrence after another all throughout this enchanting holiday story, and Vanessa Kelly makes each momentous occasion come across as totally believable.” ~ 5 stars, Single Title Reviews

“HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE, the latest book by author Vanessa Kelly, is a heartwarming, witty and passionate historical romance that will keep you up late into the night! This author brings the characters to life and you feel that you are in the story. HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE is a must read and I look forward to more from Vanessa Kelly.” ~ Fresh Fiction